Have you outgrown your home?

Are you downsizing?

Or do you simply fancy a change of scenery?

Whatever your motive for moving, it’s important to make sure you find the perfect property.

Moving house is a major upheaval, and it involves significant financial and emotional investment, so you want to get it right.

If you’re planning a move this year, here are some helpful hints to help you find your ideal home.

Get your finances in order.

If you’re looking for a new house or apartment, it’s essential to get your finances in order before you start ringing agents or booking viewings.

You need to have a good idea of how much your home is worth, and how much you have available for your new property.

Once you have a budget, you can streamline your search.

There’s no point in looking at homes that are beyond your budget. You might fall for something you can’t afford, and everything else will pale in comparison.

Use a mortgage calculator to get a rough idea, and set up some meetings with financial advisers and lenders. You should have a written mortgage offer before you take your search to the next level.

Don’t rush your search.

Unless you have to move suddenly, it’s always beneficial to take your time.

Buying a house isn’t something you do every day, and it requires careful thought and consideration.

Try not to become frustrated if the first few viewings don’t go to plan. It’s best to bide your time and wait for the right property to come along than to buy something you’re not completely taken with.

If you’ve been looking for a long time, it may be worth reassessing your search criteria. Perhaps you’re looking for something that isn’t available for your budget, or you could consider expanding your search area, for example.

Don’t overlook potential.

Sometimes, when you’re looking at properties, you can get carried away by the aesthetics.

In some cases, it’s very easy to overlook potential and miss out on something that could be perfect because it doesn’t look right at the time.

Projects can be rough diamonds, and they usually offer you the chance to create the home of your dreams.

If you haven’t found a perfect house ready to move into, this could be an option worth considering.

If you’re worried about work or you lack imagination, this is where businesses like The Renovation Company come in handy. You can share your ideas and your vision without worrying about getting your hands dirty.

Are you hoping to move house in 2017?

If so, take these considerations into account.

Moving house is stressful, but it should also be really exciting.

It’s a chance to start afresh and put down roots in a place that’s special to you.

Take your time with your search, and make sure you have your sums sorted.

Try not to focus on cosmetic work, as this may mean that you miss an unpolished gem.